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U.S. Figure Skater Ilia Malinin Makes Personal Request After Olympic Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 9:27 PM ET

Despite helping lead Team USA to a gold medal in the team event, the biggest headline from the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics for Ilia Malinin was his shocking performance in the individual free skate.

The 21-year-old entered his first Winter Games with high hopes and even bigger expectations. However, the two-time World Figure Skating champion crumbled under bright lights. He fell twice during his routine, ultimately finishing in eighth place.

Malinin admitted after his performance that he let the nerves get to him. He was overcome with emotion and was unable to handle the pressure of his big moment.

Ilia Malinin of the United States of America competes in the men’s singles free program during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov took advantage of Malinin’s meltdown. Shaidorov turned in a spectacular performance, winning his first Olympic medal. This marked Kazakhstan’s first-ever gold medal in figure skating.

Malinin was one of the first to congratulate Shaidorov after the competition. The American star approached Shaidorov to embrace him after the latter’s gold medal win was confirmed.

The show of sportsmanship was recently recognized by the Olympics. Malinin was named one of six finalists for the esteemed Fair Play Award. The honor recognizes Olympians who exhibit “standout acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity” during the Games.

On Sunday, Malinin took to social media to make a personal request. He shared a photo of his Fair Play nomination. The caption said that Malinin’s actions proved “that true champions are defined not by their rank, but by their ability to honor the excellence of others.”

In his post, Malinin added a link to the voting page. “VOTE HERE FOR ME,” he requested.

The Fair Play Award is determined by a combination of fan and media votes and by a selection jury. The selection committee is comprised of members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP).

Malinin is going up against fellow United States figure skater Amber Glenn. Julie Zelingrova (Czech Republic, mixed double curling), Kagiyama Yuma (Japan, figure skating), Italy and the U.S.' women’s curling teams and the Canadian women’s ice hockey team have all been nominated as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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